Having made its debut for the 2014 model year, the Buick Encore arrived before the BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA, and Audi Q3 on U.S. soil, blazing the path for subcompact premium crossovers in the United States, . Upon launch, the Gamma-based CUV instantly attracted a new kind of audience to the Tri Shield brand. And for 2015, GM is giving the smallest Buick a total of six changes that make it an even better vehicle.
To start, a new upscale cloth called ‘Lighthouse’ is replacing the Sandcastle fabric on 1SB and 1SD equipment levels, while a new Experience Buick Package adds AM/FM/SiriusXM stereo with navigation, a tilt-sliding power moonroof, and 18″ chromed aluminum wheels. On the LPO front, the 2015 Encore gets painted front and rear splash guards along with an accessory carrier mount that has been available since the middle of the 2014 model year. OnStar 4G LTE rounds out the new features list, while power child safety rear door locks are being replaced by manual units.
Official RPO-level changes are as follows:
New Features
- New ‘Lighthouse’ upscale Cloth on 1SB and 1SD (replacing Sandcastle fabric)
- (VV4) OnStar with 4G LTE
- (PCJ) Experience Buick Package, includes (UHQ) AM/FM/SiriusXM stereo with navigation, (CF5) tilt-sliding power moonroof and (RV8) 18″ chromed aluminum wheels
- (VRV) Painted front and rear splash guards, LPO
- (SDD) Accessory Carrier Mount, LPO (mid-2014 model year)
Changes
- Child security rear door locks are now manual (were power in 2014)
Comments
How about some more power…
Yeah, that and a real console/armrest for the front center instead of that odd shaped thing for the driver and nothing for the passenger.
Still lacking a power liftgate and keyless start options. I wont buy another one.
Premium features should help sell some high profit loaded models. And it looks great in that dark red.
It still needs the 1.6T with 200 horses as an option. Maybe that will be certified and brought over in another year.
I think that a new a 1.3t I4 (VVT, SIDI, IVVL, and VTM) with 150HP and 160-175LB-FT should make its way into the Encore and Trax. The Trax should also make use of Opel’s 1.6L CDTI I4 (VVT, IVVL, and VTM) with 130HP and 215-230LB-FT.